Danish Ship’s Cook pathway

How to get a Danish Ship’s Cook Certificate

This guide explains the complete pathway: the documents you should prepare, Cook’s Ticket’s online training and assessment, the Certificate of Completion issued after a pass, and the separate application to the Danish Maritime Authority.

Last reviewed: 31 August 2026. Authority fees, processing times and flag-state requirements can change; use the official links below to check the current position.

The most important distinction: Cook’s Ticket does not issue the official Danish Ship’s Cook Certificate. Cook’s Ticket provides recognised training and assessment and issues its own Certificate of Completion after a pass. The Danish Maritime Authority alone decides and issues the separate official certificate or endorsement after application.

The pathway at a glance

1. Check your document route

Identify the document and sea-service route that applies to you. If you are unsure, ask Cook’s Ticket before enrolling and confirm final application requirements with the Danish Maritime Authority or your employer.

2. Complete Cook’s Ticket online

Work through eight modules. Modules 1–5 contain mandatory quizzes. Module 6 prepares you for the practical cookery video in Module 7 and the final exam in Module 8.

3. Pass the assessments

Submit your practical cookery video and pass the remote proctored final exam. The USD 899 programme fee includes two attempts at the final exam.

4. Receive your completion document

After a pass and the required outcome reporting, Cook’s Ticket issues its own Certificate of Completion. Keep it with the documents required for the authority application.

5. Apply separately to the authority

The applicant, shipowner or agent submits the separate application and pays the Danish Maritime Authority fee directly. Cook’s Ticket does not collect the authority fee or issue the official document.

Cook’s Ticket document-readiness tracks

Cook’s Ticket uses the following checklists to help candidates understand the documentation they are expected to have for the official application pathway. These are not requirements to begin the training, and the Danish Maritime Authority makes the final decision on every application.

Track 1 — IMO White List countries

Passed Cook’s Ticket assessment programme, including the practical video assessment and final exam
Valid STCW basic safety training, including Security Awareness
Valid maritime medical certificate
Cook’s trade qualification or apprenticeship diploma
Minimum 5 months of documented sea time
Copy of your passport

Track 2 — outside IMO White List countries

Passed Cook’s Ticket assessment programme, including the practical video assessment and final exam
Valid STCW basic safety training, including Security Awareness
Valid maritime medical certificate
Documented apprenticeship of 48 months, of which at least 24 months must be at sea
A written declaration from the employer confirming the apprenticeship and sea time
Copy of your passport

Official-route clarification. The Danish Maritime Authority’s public guidance distinguishes between ship’s cooks from EU/EEA countries and cooks from outside the EU/EEA. The authority states that non-EU/EEA cooks must first be approved by the shipowner using a 48/24 declaration. Always rely on the authority’s current guidance for the final application.

Who applies, what it costs and how long it takes

Question	Current authority guidance
Who normally applies?	Shipowners and agents typically apply on behalf of seafarers. Citizens of an EU country, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein can apply through the seafarer self-service.
Danish Maritime Authority fee	DKK 855, paid directly to the authority. This is separate from the Cook’s Ticket programme fee.
Current average processing time	Five working days, although the authority advises applying well in advance.
After application	The authority sends payment receipt, application confirmation and a case number. Application status can be followed in self-service.

Flag-state recognition

Ship’s cook requirements are flag-state specific. Cook’s Ticket currently identifies the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Bahamas Maritime Authority as current recognition contexts for its assessment pathway. This is not a claim of worldwide or automatic acceptance. Requirements and administrative decisions can change, so candidates and employers should confirm current acceptance directly with the relevant flag administration before relying on any document.

Official links

Frequently asked questions

Does Cook's Ticket issue the official Danish Ship's Cook Certificate?

No. Cook's Ticket provides training and assessment and issues its own Certificate of Completion after a pass. The official certificate or endorsement is issued only by the Danish Maritime Authority after a separate application.

How much is the Danish Maritime Authority application fee?

The authority currently states that the application fee is DKK 855. It is paid directly to the Danish Maritime Authority and is separate from the Cook's Ticket programme fee.

Who submits the authority application?

Citizens of EU countries, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein can apply through the seafarer self-service. Shipowners and agents typically apply on behalf of other seafarers through the company self-service.

How long does the authority application take?

The Danish Maritime Authority currently states an average case-processing time of five working days, but advises applicants to apply well in advance.

Is a Cook's Ticket Certificate of Completion accepted by every flag state?

No universal acceptance should be assumed. Flag-state rules differ and may change. Confirm the current route with the relevant flag administration and your employer before relying on any training or assessment document.

Ready to complete the training and assessment?

Cook’s Ticket can be completed online from anywhere. If you are unsure about your route, write to us before enrolling and we will give you an honest answer.

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